MacBook Review
The MacBook, which was first introduced by Apple Inc. in May 2006, is a Macintosh notebook computer that replaced the iBook and 12” Powerbook. It has proven to be extremely popular, becoming the top-selling Macintosh ever. The MacBook of today is certainly different than the original model. There are two types of MacBooks—the polycarbonate version and the aluminum unibody model. The polycarbonate MacBook was the first of this line.
The MacBook was thinner than the G4 iBook that it replaced but wider than the PowerBook. It included a vivid widescreen display, a specially designed “MagSafe” power port and an Intel Core Duo processor. The “MagSafe” power port was a welcomed safety feature as it allowed the power cord to detach from the computer if someone moving by got caught in it. In the past, the power cord would stay attached to the portable computer and if some accidentally got wrapped in it, the computer tended to end up on the floor.
Along with the Intel processor, the Macbook included a 945GM chipset and Intel’s GMA 950 integrated graphics with a 667MHz front side bus. In subsequent years, a Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 965GM chipset and X3100 integrated graphics on an 800MHz bus replaced the original equipment. All of this meant that the new MacBook’s graphics and speed were greatly improved. Instead of an Intel GMA graphics solution, the present MacBook White graphics’ display, which is richer than in past models, utilizes the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M system.
The first MacBook was white and made from a light-weight, durable polycarbonate material. Originally, there was also a more expensive black model. The MacBook was the initial Macintosh to offer features that are now standard in all of the company’s notebooks—a magnetic latch, glossy display and sunken keyboard design. In 2007, the keyboard was redesigned so that it more closely resembled that of the iMac.
A new aluminum unibody MacBook was introduced on October 14, 2008. The body and frame of the new model mirrored that of the MacBook Pro, which meant that it had a more upscale look than the polycarbonate version. The aluminum MacBook included numerous upgrades over the earlier white model, including a NVIDIA chipset with a 1066 MHz system, DDR3 memory and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics. The aluminum model proved to be five times faster than the polycarbonate MacBook.
Other new features included a Mini DisplayPort, LED backlit display and glass trackpad that doubles as the mouse button. This model is thinner than the white version and looks similar to the MacBook Pro. The upscale version of this computer offers a backlit keyboard like that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
Even the used MacBook models are easier to repair than their predecessors and memory upgrades are also simple as is the removal of the hard drive. The polycarbonate model has become especially popular with college students. It’s cheaper than the aluminum version but performs exceptionally well. The aluminum MacBook has been hailed as the best of this series. Although neither version has the same quality graphics that are found in the more expensive MacBook Air or Pro, they offer value and performance. Compare used Macs and search for the MacBook that fits your budget at http://usedmacdeals.com/.
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